Another JBL Link Bar Problem (e.g. Hey Google, Volume 30%, broken) - with Workaround

by sbadham

I know that many have given up and returned this device (JBL Link Bar), but I'm still soldiering on, some others may be too.

About two weeks ago I noticed that a bunch of really basic "Hey Google" commands stopped working, for example "Hey Google, volume 30%". If the TV was off then I'd get some form of "Sorry I don't know how to do that yet", if the TV was on then I'd get a bunch of YouTube search results related to volume increase (e.g. increase hair volume!!!).

This clearly wasn't related to any action that I'd taken and was due to something either on the backend or an application updated.

I contacted JBL yesterday and (unfortunately), just got asked to reset the device - twice!

What I did notice when I did the reset was that immediately after the reset, before any updates, the volume command returned to normal. This confirmed that one of the updates introduces the problem.

I decided to review the apps that are updated and figured that the "Google app for Android TV" looked like it was most likely to be associated with the symptom. I've "Uninstalled" the app, which actually reverts it back to the original reset version AND disabled automatic updates.
This workaround restores the volume control via "Hey Google" and I've not noticed any negative side affects at this point.

I'll intermittently try updating the app and uninstalling it to see if the app has been fixed. My guess is that either Google have a bug in the app, or JBL should and didn't test it before allowing it's release to their devices.

Hope this is useful!

Mr_You

I bought a heavily discounted "factory refurb" JBL smart speaker. I'm guessing they have an unusual high rate of return because of their buggy software than defective parts.

TotallyFrankstallone

Im so glad I trashed that thing. I replaced it with a 2019 Shield and a YAS-209 soundbar. SOOO much better all the way around. I hope for your sake they turn it around soon. That device had a lot of potential.

chimbori

What's the version of the Google app in both cases, where it works, and where it doesn't?

jhoff80

I am so disappointed by the lack of support on this device.

It was literally working perfectly for my limited needs for the room it's in, until a week after my return period Google released a system update which made the thing a huge pain in the ass. (Every time I turn it on it goes through 2 cycles of switching to the HDMI-ARC input, and my TV doesn't even have HDMI ARC support). Have they fixed it in the 5 or so months since? Of course not. The device is totally abandoned.

Malnilion

Samsung should narrow JBL's product lines and this is probably something they should cut. Harman had already done a pretty shitty job restructuring their acquired brands prior to their acquisition by Samsung, but that doesn't mean Samsung can't try to clean up the mess. They've got multiple subsidiaries competing against each other and their own Samsung brand.

Kalinskym

I have the exact same issue. I'm in UK. Basic commands like switch to HDMI 1 which worked month back. Suddenly, stopped working and instead performs a good search of that request. It's the same for volume control. Which is an absolute nightmare since CEC control for volume just stops working on days. And changing inputs a nightmare as well due to once I switch to HDMI 2 in JBL Bar. It switch back to HDMI 1 or suddenly stops displaying a picture and instead a no signal. This is the worst smart device our family has owned. If you want file log reports. Send a PM. I'll be happy to give to you. Most frustrating so called smart device. If the sound works. Its pretty good sound. Out of nowhere, playing music/ any sound with the TV turned off stopped working with no solution

sbadham

Updating this thread...

It looks like the problem with the Google app has been resolved. I've periodically updated the app and retested and this morning all the search functionality is restored with the latest version of the app.

Hope this helps.

btacks

I just purchased the bar from best buy, but after reading some of these reviews I hesitate to keep it. Most reviews were a few months back. How does the playbar perform now? My current TV doesn't not have arc cec at the moment, but plan on getting something more modern in time.